Challenges

Pedal over 460 km from the Pacific to the Caribbean

November 2, 2018 - November 11, 2018

From Pacific to Caribbean; cycle through the rainforests and volcanoes of Costa Rica and help to save lives in Cornwall.

Costa Rica provides a stunning backdrop for this awesome challenge as the country is a virtual treasure trove of white sand beaches, tropical rainforest and a myriad of rare flora and fauna, spread between the Pacific and Caribbean. This breathtaking and challenging ride which is more than 460km will encompass traditional Costa Rican farmlands, bustling colonial cities, stunning mountain ranges, smouldering volcanoes and tropical Caribbean lowlands.

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The itinerary

From one ocean to another, this cycle ride will ensure you see as much of the beautiful country of Costa Rica as you can. There will be varied terrain from gravel tracks to dirt roads, banana plantations to volcanoes. Cycling as a team will help with morale when things get tough as they invariably will – this is one of the toughest cycling challenges there is. It may sound like paradise but this is a test of endurance!

A bit of a fitness warning: this challenge is Global Adventure Challenge’s toughest cycling event. Training is a must to ensure success. You will not be alone though – guides will be on hand to support you on this epic journey, with comprehensive training guidelines and in depth challenge information.

Days 1 - 3

Day One

We depart the UK for our flight to San José. Upon arrival, we are met by our local guides and then we transfer to our hotel to freshen up after the long flight. Tonight there will be a briefing about our challenge ahead.

Day Two

Following breakfast, we transfer to our start point on the Pacific Coast – Playa del Coco. The transfer will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, we will have time to enjoy the beach and lunch before jumping in the saddle to commence our Coast to Coast Challenge! Our challenge starts with a very steep 5km climb away from the coast, followed by a relatively
flat 2 hour section to get us warmed up and prepared for our challenge ahead. The route passes through numerous cattle ranching communities as we head inland. Tonight we camp near the colonial city of Liberia – the capital and economic centre of the Guanacaste Province.

Cycling distance – approx. 38km

Day Three

Today is arguably our toughest cycling day of the whole challenge, we begin with a 20km ascent towards the foothills of the Santa Maria Volcano, but we are rewarded with some fantastic views along the way. The rest of our day takes us along undulating gravel roads, with a few more steep climbs until we reach the base of the Miravalle Volcano and our camp
for the night close to the Tenorio River. Keep your eyes peeled for the
local wildlife during the next few days – the keen eyed may even spot gentle sloths peacefully dozing in the treetops!

Cycling distance – approx. 68 km

Days 4 - 6

Day Four

The theme for today’s ride is volcanoes – and we start with another tough climb to the highest point of our challenge (791m) as the route traverses
the base of both Miravalle and Tenorio Volcanoes. We are then treated to an incredible vista of Lake Arenal with its volcano in the background. From here the route consists of short steep climbs followed by rolling descents as we make our way along the rugged shore of Lake Arenal. Our camp is located at the base of Arenal Volcano. From here we will have a good chance to feel and hear the enormous power of a volcanic eruption. We will have the chance to soothe our aching muscles at a nearby hot spring after a day of tough cycling.

Cycling distance – approx. 81km

Day Five

Following breakfast at camp, we continue on our epic journey across Costa Rica. Our ride today takes us along the foothills of several volcanoes and mountains of the Central Range – don’t worry, although
frequent the hills are very manageable! The majority of our route today
is along paved roads through lush agricultural areas and quaint typical Costa Rican villages.

Cycling distance – approx. 70km

Day Six

We begin today’s ride with an exhilarating downhill paved section to the town of La Virgen from where we cross the Sarapiqui River for some great
sections of dirt roads bordering the river. We are likely to see several groups of monkeys and exotic birds on this section of the route. Sarapiqui, a region of rich diversity, is known for its lush vegetation and production
of crops such as coffee, corn, cocoa, cardamom, tropical foliage, bananas, heart of palm and various roots and fruits. The day ends in the community
of Rita firmly in the heart of banana country.

Cycling distance – approx. 74km

Days 7 -10

Day Seven

The route today is long and some parts are bumpy but there are no hills. The lowlands are carpeted with banana plantations and their countless
communities of workers that process the thousands of hectares of bananas. With the majority of the route behind us and the sun at its hottest we stop for a relaxing lunch before making our way to Siquirres, the
closest town to our final camp.

Cycling distance – approx. 80km

Day Eight

The home stretch! This last section continues through the Caribbean lowlands mostly on dirt roads, with the final 7km along a railway line which will lead us all the way to the Caribbean coast and the beach area of Boca Del Pantano – our finish line! There will be time to celebrate our achievement with a dip in the ocean and lunch on the beach before we take the transfer back to San José. This evening we will hold our celebratory dinner and experience the nightlife of San José!

Cycling distance – approx. 56km

Day Nine

We take the transfer to San José Airport for our flights back to the UK.

Day 10

Arrive UK.(Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change)

Minimum Sponsorship

Part of your fundraising total pays your trip costs with the remainder coming to help keep
Cornwall Air Ambulance flying.

Non-refundable Registration Fee

Personal Contribution to Trip Costs

Minimum Fundraising Target (excl. Gift Aid)

£399

£0

£3400

£250 airport tax payable by every participant. 80% of your target (£2720) must be received by CAA at least 12 weeks prior to departure.

Self-Funding

You pay your own trip costs direct to 360 Expeditions which means everything you fundraise goes
straight to the charity.

Non-refundable Registration Fee

Personal Contribution to Trip Costs

Minimum Fundraising Target (excl. Gift Aid)

£399

£1700

Flexible

£250 airport tax payable by every participant

What's Included

Return flights from London to San José, all accommodation - twin share, all meals throughout the itinerary starting with breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 9, drinking water for all cycling days, private air-conditioned vehicles for back up, support and transfers, local English speaking cycling guides, local bike hire with spares, Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, and a comprehensive Global Adventure Challenges medical kit.

What’s Not Included?

Airport taxes and fuel surcharge – these are approximately £250 per person, meals on day 1, tips, alcoholic drinks and drinks during meals, personal travel insurance – it is strongly advised to take this through Global Adventure Challenges, international airport departure tax at San José – currently at US $29 per person.

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